The Police Officers’ Wives Association (POWA), Edo State chapter, has marked the International Youth Day with a renewed call to tackle drug abuse, cultism and kidnapping among young people.
The event in Benin City brought together youths from across the state to address critical societal challenges and empower them with knowledge to make better life choices.
Chairperson of POWA in the state, Mrs. Helen Ogbonika, said the gathering was aimed at sensitising youths on the need to “live right” and avoid mistakes that could truncate their dreams. “As police officers’ wives, we have a duty to educate and equip youths to navigate the complexities of life,” she said.
Edo State Commander of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Mitchell Ofoyeju, delivered a presentation on “Dangers of Drug Abuse and the Power to Say No to Drug Offers”, linking drug abuse to cultism, kidnapping and other crimes. He urged participants to resist drugs by being firm in saying: “No, I don’t want to.”
An interactive session allowed youths to engage directly with the NDLEA and seek clarity on drug-related issues.
Edo State Commissioner of Police, CP Monday Ogbonika, warned about the growing influence of cultism and kidnapping on the younger generation and called for a united front against such threats.
Other dignitaries included Chief Barr. Bisi Idaomi, State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, and POWA members from across the state.
The event underscored the collective responsibility of communities in safeguarding young people and promoting ongoing dialogue to combat drug abuse, cultism and related crimes.
